Schlitterbahn Beach Resort

It’s all about families enjoying fun in the sun and water at this sprawling beachfront resort. It’s a casual place both in vibe and in looks with lots of light wood paneling and a long, polished wood reception desk across from a large saltwater aquarium. Rough-hewn wood framing the doors and huge tree trunks that serve as tables give the lobby a rustic feel, as do huge tree trunks covered with landscaping just outside the entrance. Both inside and out, there are lots of peaceful places to sit and relax, including beachfront bars and restaurants. Note that day passes to the water park are available to the public, and the space can get rowdy. 

The resort is located directly on a lovely white sand beach on the southern tip of South Padre Island, where travelers come in from the mainland on the Queen Isabela Causeway. It’s surrounded by vacation condos in a quieter, more isolated area than other properties further north in the midst of the hotel sprawl. Reaching most area restaurants requires a drive, although it’s a relatively short one. 

• Eight-minute drive to Port Isabel Lighthouse & Museum
• 12-minute drive to Sea Turtle, Inc.
• 14-minute drive to South Padre Island Birding & Nature Center
• 14-minute drive to South Padre Island Convention Center
• 40-minute drive to Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge
• 60-minute drive to Rio Grande Valley International Airport 

Handsome light oak furniture is the most distinctive feature of these rooms that have an otherwise casual decor which includes tree trunk nightstands and oak paneling framing the windows. The other walls are painted a light beige that, along with the white bedspreads, brighten the rooms. Gray carpet has aqua blue sunburst patterns. Photos of Schlitterbahn water parks do double duty as art and marketing. King and Double Queen Rooms include small dining tables and chairs and armchairs. Various Suites can include full kitchens, bunk beds, and washer/dry sets. Standard amenities include microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and flat-screen TVs. Free Wi-Fi also is standard, but reception is spotty. Some, but not all, rooms offer lovely beach views, but none have balconies. The cramped bathrooms are the most disappointing feature, but they do have polished beige marble framing the shower/tub combos. White acrylic vanities are placed just outside the bathrooms. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided. Unfortunately, even the larger, multi-bed suites have the same tiny, single bathrooms.

Reviews from past guests about housekeeping and upkeep are decidedly mixed. Many have praised the cleanliness and condition of their rooms, while others report a litany of complaints ranging from worn furniture and underperforming air-conditioning units to housekeeping that did little more than refresh towels during multi-day stays. 

Families who like to play in the water flock to this beachfront property for its sprawling indoor and outdoor water parks. The indoor water park is open all year and has various playgrounds, slides, and impressive water coasters. Wave pools and river floats also are part of the deal. Two heated outdoor pools beckon in nice weather, including one with a swim-up bar and another with great beach views. The broad, white sand beach that South Padre Island is famous for is just outside the hotel’s back door. Chair and umbrella rentals are available in season. There’s also a classic carousel and the Mega Blast, an interactive, multi-level game the entire family can play. 

Three dining options are offered. The Seaside serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while the Shrimphaus opens for lunch. The seasonal Sea4Ever Rooftop Bar & Grill serves upscale fare for dinner on the 5th floor, with great ocean views in the summer. The large gift shop offers a good selection of souvenirs, snacks, sundries, and soft drinks. The fitness center is a bit small for a hotel of this size, with only a few cardio machines and some free weights. The guest laundry room has multiple washer/dryer sets. Event spaces are large enough to cater 700 people. Parking and Wi-Fi are free.